Let’s be frank: in today’s world there is little time to focus on our health – ‘tis a fast paced, exhilarating time we live in where everything revolves around deadlines. Here’s how we save our minds, bodies and souls from burning out (and you can too) – these health retreats will see that you emerge healthier and rejuvenated!
#1 Refocus, Rejuvenate, Realign
Where: Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand
What it is: With over two decades being at the forefront of Asia’s health and wellness, this lavish beach front health retreat has seen the likes of Elizabeth Hurley and the Beckhams check in for a treat. With 58 rooms, 70 treatment rooms, relaxing pools, a sauna, steam room and more holistic facilities set over seven acres of lush tropical gardens, it’s never crowded. There are ten health and wellness treatments to choose from (spa, yoga, healing and weight management are some of them) and a bevy of expert doctors, naturopaths, fitness instructors, spa therapists, nutritionists and health practitioners to consult and guide. Don’t hesitate to ask us about their programmes!
#2 Holistic Holiday
Where: The Farm at San Benito, Lipa City, Philippines
What it is: Just 90 minutes south of Manila, this holistic healing center is built on 48 hectares of lush greenery with complex wellness programs that restore balance and harmony, ranging from integrated medical services, healing sanctuary spa treatments, fitness programs, golf facilities – there’s even a children’s program if you choose to bring the kids! While there, nourish your body with flavourful, nutritious vegan fare at the resort’s restaurant, Alive!
#3 From The Inside Out
Where: Fivelements Puri Ahimsa, Ubud, Bali
What it is: Nestled among the verdant hills of Ubud along the sacred Ayung River, Fiveelements Puri Ahimsa has gained many accolades, including Spa Cuisine of the Year at 2014, Spa Retreat of the Year 2013, Destination Spa of the Year and Eco Spa of the Year 2011 and 2012 by AsiaSpa Awards (phew). So expect top-notch Balinese-infused treatments to choose from, from traditional (meditation and yoga) to new age (Aikido, Visual Arts, Healing Dance Aquatic Bodywork, Colonic Hydrotherapy, the list goes on). Foodies will especially enjoy the raw food culinary training – the award-winning culinary team is well versed in making the most out of “living foods” so you’ll be able to take healthy eating habits home.
Ed’s note: We loved the purifying ritual of the Agni Hotra – a fire cleansing ceremony. Perfect for if you want to get rid of bad vibes and start fresh.
#4 Body, Mind and Soul
Where: Kamalaya Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand
What it is: So you’re feeling burnt out from the daily stress at work and need more than stretching to work out the aches. Kamalaya combines medical sciences with more traditional holistic treatments to offer a wide range of wellness programs to choose from including natural medicine and spa therapies for detox, yoga, stress and burnout, fitness and weight control. Or personalise your own to cater to your exact needs – all their programs are flexible and all-inclusive. Aside from in-house practitioners, the resort regularly hosts experts from around the world to conduct workshops to treat the body, mind and soul. Ask us more about their programmes by emailing us at [email protected]!
#5 Ohm Time
Where: COMO Shambhala Estate, Ubud, Bali
What it is: Yogis and health-focused individuals will love this relaxing retreat in Ubud, which sits amidst lush forests overlooking a river, with its chic and comforting modern-meets-traditional spaces. Their treatments offer the same quality, combining modern sciences with ancient healing techniques (in massages and Ayurvedic treatments) and facilities include a Vitality pool, a gym, Pilates studio, a yoga pavilion, in-house yoga experts as well as Ayurvedic medicine experts. Plus, it’s COMO, so you know you’ll be blissing out in style.
#6 Spa-ahhh Getaway
Where: Fusion Maia, Da Nang, Vietnam
What it is: Imagine that your only deadlines are being massaged at certain times of the day, everyday. Located on the pristine My Khe Beach in the seaside town of Da Nang, Fusion Maia is first the resort (that wasn’t a health retreat) in Asia to offer all-inclusive daily spa treatments for guests, which means the daily itinerary is completely up to you – whether you want to laze by the beach while sipping cocktails, go sightseeing around town, or (our fave) get spoilt rotten with spa treatment after spa treatment!
Where do you go for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, nomads?
Image credit: Main, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
